which collectively are referred to as "the submission". We request the
submission be known as the SPIN submission.

Abstract

This document contains a proposal for a SPARQL Inferencing Notation (SPIN).
Based on RDF, RDF Schema and SPARQL, SPIN implements a rule and
constraints language that aligns well with the vision of the Semantic Web
and Linked Data, and is easy to implement and understand.
SPIN uses an RDF based syntax for SPARQL that makes it possible to share
SPARQL queries and update operations together with other RDF resources.
In particular, this notation makes it possible to link RDFS/OWL classes
with rules and constraints that formalize the semantics of the instances
of those classes. Generic SPARQL engines can be used to execute those
rules and constraints, lowering the implementation costs and learning curve.
SPIN also provides a vocabulary to describe executable SPARQL functions
that can be used to extend the range of available functions to a SPARQL
processor in a platform independent way. Finally, SPIN includes a mechanism
to formalize and share SPARQL query templates. These templates make it
possible to build higher level modeling languages from reusable building blocks.

Change control

The authors expect to continue evolution of SPIN until such time as
a W3C SPARQL Inferencing Notation working group is formed.
After that time, we would expect future versions to be produced by W3C process.

Intellectual property Rights

The below statements concerning Copyrights, Trade and Service
Marks, and Patents, have been made by the following people on
behalf of themselves and their affiliated organizations:

Holger Knublauch, co-author, on behalf of TopQuadrant

Kingsley Idehen, co-author, on behalf of OpenLink Software

James A. Hendler, co-author, on behalf of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Copyrights

Each organization, respectively, hereby grants to the W3C, a perpetual, nonexclusive,
royalty-free, world-wide right and license under any of its copyrights
in this contribution to copy, publish and distribute the contribution under the
W3C document
licenses.

Additionally, should the Submission be used as a contribution towards a W3C
Activity, each organization grants a right and license of the same scope to any
derivative works prepared by the W3C and based on, or incorporating all or part
of, the contribution. Each organization further agrees that any derivative works
of this contribution prepared by the W3C shall be solely owned by the W3C.

Trade and Service Marks

We agree that the trade and service marks that are associated with and
identify this specific submission (SPARQL Inferencing Notation and
SPIN) will be governed by the W3C
Trademark and Servicemark License.

Patents

TopQuadrant, OpenLink Software and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
agree to offer licenses
according to the W3C Royalty-Free licensing requirements described in section
5 of the 5 February 2004 W3C Patent Policy for any portion of the Submission
that is subsequently incorporated in a W3C Recommendation.

Additionally, all co-authors claim to have no personal knowledge of
any IPR claims help by their respective organizations regarding SPIN.

Suggested action

We suggest that the Consortium consider this as a starting point
for work in a new working group within the Semantic Web Activity.

Resources

To help with this work, TopQuadrant expects, but does not commit,
to be able to provide one member of the working group. Other of the
creators also expect to be able to serve on the working group.

Contact

Inquiries from the public or press about this submission should be directed
to the authors.